lack

A situation in which something needed is missing or there is not enough of it.

• A lack of sleep makes me tired.
• They cancelled the trip because of a lack of money.
• The report shows a serious lack of evidence.

How to use it: a lack of something (A lack of water damaged the crops.); for lack of something (The project stopped for lack of money.)

Similar words: shortage, absence, deficiency

Opposites: abundance

Common phrases: lack of money, lack of sleep, for lack of, lack of support

To have none of something, or less than you need.

• I lack the time to cook.
• The team lacked experience but worked hard.
• Does the report lack important details?

How to use it: lack something (We lack the equipment to repair it.)

Similar words: be without, be short of

Opposites: have

Common phrases: lack confidence, lack experience, lack the resources, lack for nothing

To be unprepared or not watching for danger.

• You can't lack around here.
• They caught him lacking on the street.
• She stays alert so nobody catches her lacking.

How to use it: catch someone lacking (His rivals caught him lacking outside the club.)

Similar words: be off guard, be unprepared

Common phrases: never lack, don't lack